Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been in an accident – what now?
I've been in an accident, what information will I need to report my claim?
It is helpful if you can tell us:
- When the accident occurred (date, time)
- Where the accident occurred (be as specific as possible)
- How the accident happened
- What kind of vehicle or vehicles were involved (including the year, make and model)
- A description of each vehicle's damage
- The names and contact information of those involved in the accident.
- The names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Were the police contacted.
What happens after I report my claim?
A claims representative will be assigned to your claim and will contact you within 8 business hours. Your claims representative will discuss what will happen next, what your insurance policy covers, and answer any questions you may have.How long will it take to handle my claim?
Every claim is different. We will work with you and the repair facility you choose to ensure your claim is handled as quickly as possible.If the damage is less than my deductible, do I need to report a claim?
It is a good idea to report a claim even if you think your damages are below your deductible. Here's why:
- Even if the damage appears minor, the cost of repairs may be more than you expect.
- If you have coverage for damage to your auto, we can help you estimate how much it will cost to repair your vehicle, and this estimate can be helpful when working with your repair facility.
- If another driver or another person was involved in the accident, reporting the accident allows us to investigate what happened while the event is still fresh in your mind. A timely investigation can help us protect your interests if the other people involved say you're responsible for their damages or injuries.
What about the damage to my car?
What do I do about the damage to my car?
If you purchased "Coverage for Damage to your Auto", and your vehicle was damaged, we will inspect your vehicle and write an estimate of repair.Where do I go to get my car inspected?
- Drive your car to our inspection facility: If your vehicle is drivable, we can schedule an appointment for you at one of our conveniently located drive-in facilities. A Safeco claims representative will meet with you, inspect your vehicle and write an estimate to repair the damage. With numerous locations and flexible hours, this can often be completed as soon as the next day.
- Have a Safeco representative come to you: If you are unable to meet us at a Safeco Drive-in facility, we can make an appointment for a claim representative to inspect your vehicle at your home, workplace or repair facility.
- Have your car inspected at a Safeco-approved repair facility: If you choose to have your vehicle repaired at a facility that is a member of Safeco's Premier Auto Claims Experience (PACE) network, your PACE repair shop can handle both your damage estimate and your repairs.
Where can I have my vehicle repaired?
After you have your repair estimate, the choice of where you go to repair your vehicle is up to you.However, if you are not sure which repair shop to select, your claims representative can help. Our claims representatives work with many repair facilities in the area and can give you the names of reputable shops that can satisfactorily complete the repairs for the amount of our estimate.
How do I arrange for the repairs to my vehicle?
After you have your repair estimate, make an appointment with the repair facility of your choice. Give them a copy of our estimate in advance so any necessary parts can be ordered.If you are uncertain about which repair facility to select, your claims representative can help. The repair facility will schedule your repairs and order any necessary parts. It is a good idea to confirm the repair facility has received the parts before dropping off your vehicle. We recommend you make your appointment for early in the week to avoid unnecessary delays.
What if additional damage is found?
If the repair facility finds additional or hidden damage, they will contact your claims representative and together they will update the estimate. Any additional approved payments will be made directly to the repair facility.What should I do when my vehicle is ready?
In most cases, you will have received direct payment for the initial estimate of damages. From that point, it is your responsibility to pay the repair shop for the initial repairs, as well as any deductible you owe or any cost for repairs you choose to have done that are not related to your Safeco claim.
We recommend you thoroughly inspect your vehicle when it is picked up. Be sure you are happy with the repairs. If you have any concerns about the repairs, bring those to the repair facility's attention. If you are not satisfied with the repair facility's response, contact your claims representative.What if I need a rental vehicle while my vehicle is in the shop?
- If you are a Safeco policyholder and your policy includes rental coverage, we can arrange to provide a temporary vehicle for the reasonable time needed to complete the repairs. Rental coverage can vary by state and the specific coverage you purchased.
- Contact your claims representative at 1-800-332-3226 for information on your rental coverage or to set up a rental. Rental cars can be delivered to the repair facility when you bring your vehicle in for the scheduled repairs.
- If you are not a customer insured by Safeco, transportation may be provided if we accept liability on behalf of our insured. If you are unsure of the liability decision, contact your claims representative at 1-800-332-3226 to discuss your claim.
How does payment for my damages work?
How will I be paid for the repairs to my vehicle?
If you are a Safeco policyholder and carry "Coverage for Damage to your Auto", after inspecting the vehicle and estimating damages, Safeco will pay for the portion of the repairs that your insurance covers less your applicable deductible. A check can be provided directly to you or to you and your lien holder if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of a covered loss that you agreed to pay when you purchased your policy. Once coverage has been verified and we have identified the cost of repairs, Safeco will issue you a check to cover the amount over your deductible. For example if the cost to repair the damage to your vehicle is $1,000 and you have a $500 deductible, you would need to pay $500 of the $1,000 to repair your vehicle.
How do I pay my deductible?
You should pay your repair facility after repairs have been completed and you are satisfied with the work.Personal items were stolen from my vehicle.
I had personal items in my car and they were damaged or stolen. Are these items covered?
Generally, auto policies have limited coverage for personal belongings. Talk to your claims representative about what's specifically covered under your policy.
However, many homeowners or renters insurance policies do cover personal items you have with you or in your car. If you have a homeowners or renters policy with Safeco, ask your claims handler whether your personal items may be covered.My vehicle might be a total loss
My vehicle is a total loss. What do I need to do?
Generally, a vehicle is determined to be a total loss when the cost of repair exceeds the vehicle's pre-accident value.
Whether a vehicle is repairable or a total loss depends on a number of factors such as the kind and extent of the damage, the age of the vehicle, state law and any pre-existing damage. If your car is a total loss, we will pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle, up to the limits of the policy, minus your deductible plus applicable state fees and taxes. The actual cash value (ACV) is the fair market value of your vehicle prior to the accident.
How will I be paid if my vehicle is a total loss?
If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, we will pay the lien holder, who will send us the vehicle's title. If there is no lien on the vehicle, we will pay you directly, then you will need to forward the title to us.My vehicle was stolen. What should I do?
If your vehicle is stolen, you should first notify the police as soon as possible and file a report. Next, report your claim to Safeco at 1-800-332-3226.
- What information will I need to report my claim?
It is helpful if you can tell us:
- When and where you last saw your vehicle (date, time and location)
- The year, make and model of the missing vehicle
- The police report number
- Your contact information
- What happens after I report the claim?
- A claims representative will be assigned to your claim and will contact you within 8 business hours. Your claims representative will discuss what will happen next, what your insurance policy covers, and answer any questions you may have.
- If your vehicle is recovered, let us know right away. If your vehicle is damaged, we will inspect the vehicle and write an estimate to repair the damages. If there is extensive damage to your vehicle, it may be deemed a total loss. For more information, see "What if my vehicle is a total loss?"
My vehicle has glass and/or windshield damage.
What do I need to do if my vehicle has glass damage?
If your vehicle has windshield or glass damage, call Safeco at 1-800-332-3226 as soon as possible. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Once coverage has been verified, a representative will arrange for the repair or replacement of your glass at the location of your choice.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your windshield may be repairable. Provided you have coverage for the claim, if your windshield is repairable and you decide to have it repaired we will waive your deductible.My car had to be towed. What do I need to do?
If your vehicle had to be towed because of an accident, the cost of the tow is generally covered if you purchased coverage for damage to your vehicle.
If your vehicle had to be towed because of a mechanical breakdown, the cost of the tow is generally covered if you purchased Towing and Labor coverage. Call Safeco at 1-800-332-3226. A customer representative is available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your claims representative will discuss what will happen next, what your insurance policy covers, and answer any questions you may have.
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